West Central: Greater Tampa Bay
West Central
The greater Tampa Bay area is increasingly recognized internationally as a premier high-tech hub. Fueled by an economic engine at the pre-eminent University of South Florida, the local ecosystem benefits from an influx of capital and a tight-knit community of passionate doers with a shared vision for the future.
trusted collaborators + connections
Our work is powered by collaborative relationships with trusted individuals and organizations that share our spirit of innovation and desire to help.
The AI Education Project
STEM Outreach
The AI Education Project provides curriculum and programming to help students explore tech-enabled careers.
Alex Kotran
Co-Founder and CEO
Central Florida Development Council (CFDC)
Economic Development
CFDC attracts and support growing businesses to promote economic development in Polk County.
Alex Price
Business Development Associate
Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDI2) of Hillsborough County
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
EDI2 provides grant funding and support for events and opportunities that help entrepreneurs succeed.
Jennifer Whelihan
Economic Development Manager
Embarc Collective
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Embarc Collective is a nonprofit hub deliver that provides individualized support to Tampa Bay startups.
Lakshmi Shenoy
CEO
Florida Polytechnic University
University Research + Innovation
Florida Poly is the nation’s leading institution of change, pushing the boundaries of education in STEM.
Florida Venture Forum
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
FVF is Florida's largest statewide support and networking organization for venture capitalists and entrepreneurs.
Kevin Burgoyne
President + CEO
Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI)
STEM Outreach
FCDI supports academic achievement, economic development and the spirit of innovation through active learning projects.
Terri Willingham
Executive Director
Pasco Economic Development Council (Pasco EDC)
Economic Development
Pasco EDC fosters economic vitality and business development opportunities in Pasco County.
Turner Arbour
Workforce Development Manager
Tampa Bay Tech
Industry Group
Tampa Bay Tech provides annual programming, networking and initiatives to support the local tech ecosystem.
Virginia Lee
Interim Chief Executive Officer
University of South Florida
University Research + Innovation
A preeminent research university in Tampa, USF empowers students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.
Elizabeth Nelson
Matching Grants Research Program Director, Office of Corporate Partnerships
Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDI2) of Hillsborough County
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
EDI2 provides grant funding and support for events and opportunities that help entrepreneurs succeed.
Jennifer Whelihan
Economic Development Manager
Embarc Collective
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
Embarc Collective is a nonprofit hub deliver that provides individualized support to Tampa Bay startups.
Lakshmi Shenoy
CEO
Florida Inventors Hall of Fame
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
The FIHOF supports a culture of creativity to fuel innovation, drive economic growth and encourage investment.
Jamie Spurrier
Program Manager
Foundation for Community Driven Innovation (FCDI)
STEM Outreach
FCDI supports academic achievement, economic development and the spirit of innovation through active learning projects.
Terri Willingham
Executive Director
Gulf Coast Research and Education Center
University Research + Innovation
The GCREC offers working research fields and state-of-the-art clean housing and laboratory facilities.
Hillsborough County Agriculture Economic Development Council
Economic Development
The FEDC educates, advocates for and connects Florida’s economic development stakeholders.
Pinellas County Economic Development (PCED)
Economic Development
PCED encourages business expansion and seeks to attract new companies with high-wage careers.
Scott Talcott
Business Development Manager
St. Pete Innovation District (SPID)
Startup + Entrepreneurial Support
SPID helps generate, sharpen and accelerate the advancement of ideas in the region.
Alison Barlow
Executive Director
Synapse Florida
Industry Group
Synapse helps entrepreneurs easily find what they need and share what they have to accelerate their success.
Brian Kornfeld
President + Founder
University of South Florida
University Research + Innovation
A preeminent research university in Tampa, USF empowers students to maximize their potential for lifelong success.
Elizabeth Nelson
Matching Grants Research Program Director, Office of Corporate Partnerships
From the Suncoast to the Space Coast, a super region for high-tech industry
